Walking into Joe Louis Arena — wearing a sweater other than that of the Red Wings.

He was wearing a sweater bearing the Flames logo.

"I've never been in this situation before, I have a lot of great memories in this building and with the guys on the other side," Hudler said Tuesday after Calgary's morning skate. "It's going to be special."

It turned out to be satisfying for Hudler, as Calgary won 4-1.

Hudler had one shot in 16 minutes 46 seconds.

An unrestricted free agent last summer, and coming off a 25-goal season, Hudler signed a four-year contract with the Flames worth $16 million.

"There's a little motivation," Hudler said of playing his former team. "I don't want to lose against them. We need these points, we're in a crucial situation."

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock made a point of finding Hudler before the morning skate.

"It's nice, we had a little chat," Hudler said. "I had no time because we were practicing but it was nice for him to come over and say, 'Hi.'"

Family business

Things haven't been all that rosy for Hudler.

On Dec. 26, while playing in the Czech Republic during the lockout, he suffered a cut near his neck which nearly hit an artery.

And on Jan. 14, his father, Jiri Hudler Sr. , died at the age of 50.

"It's been tough," said Hudler, who had been traveling to the Czech Republic to deal with family issues. "This obviously helps, being around the guys, my teammates, my ex-teammates, when you're thinking about hockey.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130205/SPORTS0103/302050419#ixzz2K86XaDD0